Fischell Institute Spotlight: Camilla Edwards

Camilla Edwards is a bioengineering Ph.D. candidate. In 2017, she earned her bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida.

While researching Ph.D. programs, she knew she wanted to attend the University of Maryland and join Fischell Institute Fellow Chris Jewell's research lab. She was curious to learn more about the Jewell lab’s research regarding how biomaterials modulate the immune system.

"The Jewell lab is a fantastic place to be," she said. "If you walk by, you'll probably hear one group of people having an in-depth research conversation and another laughing about a very random topic."

Edward's research project currently focuses on how different types of immune signals can be combined into microneedle arrays or small patches containing hundreds of short projections. These projections are long enough to target dense immune cells within the skin but short enough to avoid pain receptors.

"From a public health perspective, microneedles will greatly improve vaccine access and distribution,” she said. "In addition, I like the scientific aspect of studying how immune signals behave as biomaterials. It is exciting to combine my undergraduate experience of characterizing materials with the immunology expertise of our lab."

Edwards and the lab team also work with Dr. Bob Ernst at the University of Maryland, Baltimore's School of Dentistry on the delivery of influenza vaccines, as well as Dr. Thomas Gebhardt at the Doherty Institute on tracking immune cells in real-time within the skin.

After graduating with her bachelor's degree, Edwards worked for Procter and Gamble as a packaging engineer in a plant in rural Ohio, managing new cap, bottle, and box designs for both Tide and Downy. Two years later, she used some of the same scientific principles and soft skills she learned there to design vaccines in College Park, Maryland.

In the future, Edwards is interested in reviewing grants for novel biomedical devices, drugs, or biologics with the FDA. She would also like to pursue a postdoctoral research position focused on how vaccine components can be designed and delivered for improved immune cell uptake and activation.

Outside of the lab, Edwards is a CrossFit competitor. She began doing CrossFit when she moved from Florida to Ohio to cross-train for long-distance running and to make friends..

After getting hurt while running, she focused more on being a competitive CrossFit athlete. After doing CrossFit exclusively during the pandemic, she participated in a global, open CrossFit competition and was ranked in the top 6% of females worldwide. Edward's other hobbies include running, biking, and generally being outdoors.

Published August 17, 2023